Are you ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey?!
If you’re a fan of comfort food and crave a delightful fusion of seafood and cheesy goodness, this Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe is about to become your new favorite!
Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re simply seeking a comforting meal, this dish is bound to impress.
Elevate this Thanksgiving Side Dish
Thanksgiving, a time when families gather around the table to share gratitude and indulge in delicious feasts. It has to be one of my favorite holidays just because I LOVE to eat.
While traditional Thanksgiving fare often revolves around turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, incorporating innovative dishes like Seafood Mac and Cheese can add a delightful twist to your holiday spread.
A Brief History
Believe it or not, the roots of Mac and Cheese can be traced back centuries, with its popularity rising in the United States during the 18th century.
Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father and food enthusiast, is often recognized for introducing Macaroni and Cheese to the States after encountering the dish during his travels to Europe.
However, his enslaved chef, James Hemings, should really get the credit as he was the one who perfected this dish into the classic comfort food that we know and love today.
Now, the addition of seafood to this classic dish? That’s a delightful evolution! While the exact origins of Seafood Mac and Cheese might be less documented, its popularity has soared in recent years, especially during holiday seasons like Thanksgiving.
Incorporating the flavors of the ocean into this creamy, cheesy goodness offers a unique and indulgent culinary experience.
Bringing Tradition and Innovation Together
This Thanksgiving, why not start a new tradition by adding Seafood Mac and Cheese to your table? Its flavorful presence is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
As you gather with loved ones, sharing stories and creating new memories, let this modern twist on a classic dish be a symbol of innovation and appreciation for culinary creativity.
After all, Thanksgiving is not just about the food; it’s about the joy of coming together and celebrating the abundance in our lives.
So, as you plan your Thanksgiving feast, consider incorporating this delightful Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe into the mix. It’s a celebration of both tradition and innovation, a perfect reflection of the spirit of Thanksgiving. Gather ’round, savor every bite, and create unforgettable moments with this delectable dish!
Seafood Mac and Cheese: Creating Flavorful Layers
Seasoning the Shrimp
First things first, seasoning is key!
For that delectable seafood flavor, take your shrimp and season them with a mix of creole seasoning, old bay, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
You’ll want to cook these shrimps in the same pan that you’re making the cheese sauce, so the seafood flavor is incorporated all throughout.
Creamy Cheese Sauce Magic
After you’ve cooked and removed your shrimp, add in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Season it again to ensure every sip of sauce bursts with flavor!
Now, the cheese—oh, the glorious cheese! Add sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese into the simmering cream. Stir and watch as the cheese melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Assembling the Divine Dish
Noodles Meet Creamy Bliss
Boil your favorite pasta noodles as per the package instructions. Once cooked, add the noodles to an unheated cast iron skillet. Mix some cream cheese throughout the noodles, allowing it to meld into the warmth for that extra creaminess.
Bringing Seafood and Cheese Together
Before pouring on your cheese sauce, you are going to add in your lump crab meat. Also, take most of the shrimp that you cooked earlier and chop it up to be incorporated throughout the dish.
Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the noodles. Don’t hold back! This is where the magic happens.
Bake to Perfection
Top your masterpiece with a few of the seasoned shrimp that you set aside and a sprinkle of more cheese. Pop it into an oven that has been preheated at 400 degrees and let it bake for 10-15 minutes until the top turns irresistibly crispy.
Your Culinary Masterpiece Awaits
Once the timer dings and the aroma of baked goodness fills the air, your Seafood Mac and Cheese is ready to steal the show! Serve it up hot and watch the smiles grow around the table.
Ready to Create Culinary Magic?
Now that you’ve got the steps to create this delightful dish, it’s time to turn your kitchen into a flavor factory. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Seafood Mac and Cheese will leave everyone craving more.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and treat your taste buds to this incredible Seafood Mac and Cheese extravaganza! Your culinary journey starts now.
Enjoy!
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 6 oz Elbow Noodles
- 14 Shrimp large
- 1 tsp Creole Seasoning
- 1 tsp Old Bay
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
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- 1½ tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1½ cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1½ cup Monterey Jack Cheese
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- 4 oz Lump Crab Meat
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉
- Boil some salted water and cook your elbow noodles based on the package instructions. Make sure that you don't overcook your noodles!
- Season your shrimp with ½ tsp of creole seasoning, old bay, and garlic powder. You also want to season them with ¼ tsp of paprika and black pepper. Mix well to spread the seasoning across the shirmp.
- In a separate pot, cook down the minced garlic in some butter. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp to the pot. Remove the cooked shrimp before going to the next step.
- In the same pot, pour in your heavy cream and bring it to a simmer on medium heat.
- Once the heavy cream is simmering, add in the sharp cheddar and Monterey jack cheese and stir until everything is melted smoothly. Don't forget to season your cheese sauce with the remaining seasonings.
- Take your cooked elbow noodles and add them to a baking pan or a cast iron skillet. Cover your cooked noodles with the cream cheese, making sure it is spread throughout the noodles evenly.
- Take ¾ of your cooked shrimp and chop them up into small pieces.
- Incorporate the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat into the noodles and cream cheese before pouring on your cheese sauce and stirring thoroughly.
- Top everything with the leftover cooked shrimp and sprinkle on some more cheese to cover the top.
- Put the mac and cheese into the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the top gets a nice golden-brown crust.
- Enjoy!
